Eminem has defended his controversial lyrics, saying he'd rather have "bad attention than no attention"

The 'Loose Yourself' singer - who is well known for his offensive and often violent lyrics - says he enjoys provoking a reaction.

The controversial rapper - who holds convictions for assault and weapons charges - has been attacked over his use of homophobic and violent language, but maintains he is deliberately controversial.

Speaking in an interview with SiriusXM radio, he said: "I'm in this game to press buttons ... and spark conversation and to get a reaction out of people. And that's kind of how I've been from day one. You know just rapping in the hip hop shop, I want to say the lines that are going to get people's attention. And I would rather have ... even if it's bad attention, then no attention at all.

"I think it's cool if my records spark conversation, or a debate."

The 41-year-old rapper - who released his eighth studio album, 'The Marshall Mathers LP 2', earlier this week (5.11.13) - also tries to stay away from social media and networking sites, because he thinks it would hinder his musical productivity by causing him to get into fights.

He said: "I really try not to pay attention. Put it this way, I want to keep my finger on the pulse of what's going on, so I don't want to be ignorant in that sense. But at the same time, I can't pay attention to what everyone is saying. I would never be able to make music, I don't think, if I got caught up in that. Because I would probably get caught up in some ugly arguments with people. 'Yo, drive to my house now.'

"It would consume a lot of my time and it would be very counter-productive for me to do that. But I still do, and that's what's f**ked up."